Dimmer switch
A switch for adjusting a plurality of states of a load is provided having a large paddle actuator for adjusting a first state of a lightning load and incorporating an integrated rocker switch for adjusting a second state of a lighting load. The switch also comprises a concealed air-gap switch for disconnecting the switch from line phase when the paddle actuator is placed in a disconnect position and connecting the switch to line phase when the paddle actuator is placed in a connect position.
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This application claims the benefit of the filing date of a provisional application having Ser. No. 60/618,028, which was filed on Oct. 12, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a switch device used to control electrical systems and/or devices.
2. Background of the Invention
Switches and controls for electrical systems and devices have been developed that control more than one state of an electrical load or device. While it is now commonplace for devices to control a plurality of states, such as the ON/OFF/DIM/BRIGHT state of a lighting load, the integration of multiple control features in a single device typically requires more complicated manufacturing processes to accommodate the different features. It is desirable, therefore to produce an integrated control device that is simple to manufacture and less expensive to produce.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to an integrated dimmer switch having a sub-frame that permits simplified manufacturing and incorporating a concealed power switch. The switch has multiple functions and is capable of controlling the status (e.g. ON/OFF/DIM/BRIGHT) state of an electrical load (e.g. lighting load) connected to the switch and is also capable of disconnecting electrical power phase from the switch by actuating a concealed power switch within the integrated switch device. The switch is characterized by relatively large “paddle” actuator incorporating a dimmer switch along an outer edge of the paddle. The dimmer comprises a rocker assembly to facilitate the control of the status of the load connected to the integrated switch and the power switch is activated or deactivated by placing the paddle actuator in one of two positions.
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
In the Drawings:
The dimmer switch of the present invention is characterized by a large paddle actuator having an intensity actuator embedded within its surface. The paddle actuator is biased to a rest position by a first leaf spring formed in a sub-panel below the paddle. A user may press the paddle to overcome the bias and cause the paddle to rotate about a first pivot to a stressed position wherein a ON/OFF switch is actuated. When the paddle is released it returns to the rest position. Thus, the ON/OFF switch is actuated only momentarily; the paddle does not alternate between an ON position and an OFF position; the paddle has a stressed position and an unstressed position.
Similarly, an intensity actuator can rock about a second pivot. The intensity actuator is biased to a rest position by leaf springs formed in the sub-panel. These springs operate to prevent rotation of the intensity actuator about the second pivot in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction respectively. A user may press the intensity actuator to overcome the bias of one or the other of the leaf springs to decrease or increase intensity. When the intensity actuator is released, it returns to its rest position. The intensity actuator is located within an opening of the paddle actuator and operates independently of the paddle actuator. The Paddle actuator of the switch of the present invention can also be rotated about the second pivot to a position that actuates a power (an air-gap) switch concealed within the switch.
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The operation of the air-gap switch can be the reverse of the above description; that is when the paddle is depressed, the air-gap switch connects the power line (not shown) to the switch of the present invention and when paddle 100 is pulled, the air-gap switch disconnects the power from the switch 10 of the present invention.
When paddle actuator 100, housing cover 102 and circuit board 131 are cooperatively assembled, paddle actuator 100 pivots along axles 110B which are snap-fit into wells 144 and 146. This arrangement brings actuating tab 113A into resilient contact with leaf spring 236 formed in housing cover 102 see
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While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the preferred embodiment, as it presently contemplated for carrying them out, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes of the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Claims
1. A switch comprising;
- a push pad for adjusting a first state of a load connected to said switch;
- a rocker actuator for adjusting a second state of a load connected to said switch; and
- a slide pivot coupled to said push pad wherein said push pad actuates said switch when depressed and disengages said switch from a line phase when pulled at its bottom.
2. The switch according to claim 1 wherein said push pad actuates a micro-switch when depressed.
3. The switch according to claim 1 wherein disengaging said switch comprises actuating an air-gap switch when said push pad is pulled at its bottom.
4. The switch according to claim 1 wherein said rocker activates at least one micro-switch when actuated.
5. The switch according to claim 1 wherein said rocker comprises a light pipe having individual legs.
6. The switch according to claim 5 wherein said individual legs can be placed on LEDs.
7. The switch according to claim 1 wherein said first state is one of an ON and OFF state.
8. The switch according to claim 1 wherein said second state is at least one of a DIM and BRIGHT state.
9. The switch according to claim 1 wherein said rocker actuator is located within said push pad.
10. The switch according to claim 1 wherein said rocker is biased by a pair of leaf springs.
11. A switch for adjusting the state of a load comprising:
- a paddle actuator, said paddle actuator adapted to be biased to return to a rest position following actuation from a first position, said paddle actuator being further adapted to adjust a first state of the load connected to the switch;
- a rocker actuator, said rocker actuator being adapted to be biased to return to a second rest position and further adapted to adjust a second state of the load connected to the switch when said rocker actuator is actuated by a user; and
- a disconnect switch adapted to disconnect the switch from line phase when actuated and wherein when said paddle actuator is actuated by a user in said first position said first state of said load is adjusted and said paddle actuator is biased to return to said rest position and wherein when said paddle actuator is placed in a second position said disconnect switch is actuated thereby disconnecting the switch from said line phase.
12. The switch according to claim 11 wherein said rocker actuator further comprises a light pipe with individual legs.
13. The switch according to claim 11 wherein said individual legs of said light pipe are located adjacent to corresponding LEDs.
14. The switch according to claim 11 wherein said paddle actuator is biased by a leaf spring.
15. The switch according to claim 11 wherein said rocker actuator is biased by a pair of leaf springs.
16. The switch according to claim 11 wherein said first state is one of an OFF and ON state.
17. The switch according to claim 11 wherein said second state is one of a DIM and BRIGHT state.
18. The switch according to claim 11 wherein said disconnect switch is an air-gap switch.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Oct 5, 2005
Date of Patent: Jan 30, 2007
Patent Publication Number: 20060108208
Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. (Little Neck, NY)
Inventor: Azer Ilkhanov (Brooklyn, NY)
Primary Examiner: Elvin Enad
Assistant Examiner: Lheiren Mae A. Anglo
Attorney: Paul J. Sutton
Application Number: 11/242,844
International Classification: H01H 3/00 (20060101);